Audi has reaffirmed its commitment to launching the production version of the Audi Concept C in 2027, moving to calm speculation that the project could be impacted by uncertainty surrounding Porsche’s electric 718 program.
The renewed commitment was first detailed by Autocar in a report published earlier today by Greg Kable, who cited an internal letter from Audi CEO Gernot Döllner. According to Autocar, Döllner addressed employees directly in a message first reported by German publication Donaukurier, stating: “The delivery of the platform by Porsche is not in question,” and adding that cooperation between the two Volkswagen Group brands is “proceeding in good collaboration between Team Porsche and Team Audi.”
Internally referred to as the C-Sport, the compact two-seat electric coupe is being developed in partnership with Porsche. The model is conceived to share its core architecture, drivetrains and battery technology with the planned electric successors to the Porsche 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman. However, questions over the Porsche program’s future surfaced following a leadership change at Porsche, with Michael Leiters replacing Oliver Blume on January 1, 2026.
As reported by Bloomberg and cited in Autocar’s coverage, Porsche under Leiters’ leadership is reviewing a potential cancellation of the electric 718 models as part of broader cost-cutting measures. That review prompted speculation that Audi’s C-Sport could also be vulnerable. Döllner’s letter appears intended to dispel those concerns, emphasizing that Audi’s plans remain on track despite wider platform and investment discussions within the Volkswagen Group.
Further evidence exclusive to this website may be offered in something relayed to us following the visit of a friend of the site to Audi Sport Gmbh’s Neckarsulm production line for the e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT. Our contact noted a disturbance around the building and was informed that construction was happening on the same site in preparation for Concept C assembly there. Timing for that visit predates the making public of these Porsche discussions though construction of another production line underlines Audi’s commitment to Concept C at this stage.
The Concept C itself debuted at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich last September and previews the production car’s design and technical direction. Measuring 4,350 mm in length, the dual-motor coupe is based on a heavily modified version of the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture that’s also come to be known as PPE Sport. As Autocar previously reported the battery has been repositioned from beneath the floor to a location behind the driver, enabling a lower seating position and altered weight distribution compared with conventional PPE applications such as the A6 e-tron, Q6 e-tron or Porsche Macan Electric.
Beyond its technical package, the C-Sport carries strategic importance for Audi’s future identity. It is the first model developed under new design chief Massimo Frascella and is intended to signal a new design lineage for the brand. That includes a revised interpretation of Audi’s front grille treatment, expected to influence future production models.
With Döllner’s internal confirmation, Audi appears determined to proceed with its electric two-seat sports car despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding its Porsche sibling. If timelines hold, the production version of the Concept C will mark the brand’s return to the compact sports car segment in fully electric form in 2027.